Today, a piece I wrote and recorded on "I'm not here to make friends" and the ensuing supercuts will premiere on This American Life. I'm excited! It was really weird to write for radio (and certainly my editors Nancy Updike and Jane Feltes, as well as TAL mastermind Ira Glass, helped me streamline what is usually read into what can be heard). It was also weird to write about these videos, period, since I felt like they were self-explanatory. Initially the task seemed kind of like dissecting an autopsy, but in the end, I think it was worthwhile to verbalize what previously went without saying. I'll link to the podcast in this post once it's up on Monday.
I'm reposting these videos for the ease of TAL listeners (since they're otherwise scattered about this blog, which isn't too easy to navigate anyway). I'll probably keep this post on top for a few days, so if this blog looks like it hasn't been updated in a while, scroll down a post to find out how wrong you are. I know you know to do this. I know you aren't stupid. I just don't feel like answering any obvious questions just in case, that's all. That's for my ease.
Update: The podcast is up. Download it here.
I must make a confession. Last night I was annoyed with you because there was not a new Pot Psychology over on Jezebel. But all of that anger melted away about 10 minutes ago when I heard you on TAL!!!! Holy shit, my brain nearly melted from the delight overload. I'm so happy for you! Congrats!
Posted by: Mary | September 12, 2009 at 01:35 PM
Loved ya on TAL! Very astute observations on the INHTMF phenom.
Posted by: narcissa | September 12, 2009 at 01:39 PM
let me just repeat what everyone else has already posted: AWESOME and CONGRATULATIONS!
Posted by: hester p | September 12, 2009 at 01:50 PM
I can't freaking wait to hear it!!!! YAY!
Posted by: Viv | September 12, 2009 at 02:38 PM
Ah! This is like my two favorite things put together! Amazing.
Posted by: May | September 12, 2009 at 03:39 PM
Just wanted to say Congratulations on your latest project! :D
Posted by: Reese | September 12, 2009 at 03:56 PM
I tuned into TAL in the middle of your segment and I had no idea it was you and was immediately outraged. "Who is this? Why are they ripping off Rich! He's been talking about this forever!" Then when Ira came in at the end and said it was you, I was so excited. Congratulations!
Posted by: Jen | September 12, 2009 at 04:56 PM
Good on ya, Rich!
Posted by: Kelly | September 12, 2009 at 06:14 PM
i heard you on this american life this afternoon and i am very excited for you. it's a great show and you were great on it. congratulations.
Posted by: kim | September 12, 2009 at 07:40 PM
Rich...i am sitting around my house, getting things ready to move...listening to TAL and i hear your voice... i turned up the volume and it was you, it was really you!! I loved the peice, but I had read it before befroe your commentary was wonderful. I am writng to ira now how much I loved it. One of his mentors, Bob Edwards is a friedns of mine. thanks...love you...
Posted by: donna | September 12, 2009 at 08:25 PM
Your piece was great. Classic Rich. If they don't pick you up to do more pieces, I would be very surprised. You're movin' on up!
Posted by: Kristi | September 12, 2009 at 09:38 PM
Super cool! I actually know Jane a little from when she lived in Chicago, and I hope she treated you right!
Posted by: MB | September 12, 2009 at 11:00 PM
Oh and how timely is this since newBianca on ANTM said "I'm not here to be making friendships" - a new twist!
Posted by: MB | September 12, 2009 at 11:06 PM
I've been a huge fan of yours for a few years now, and I was listening to TAL in the background this morning and thought I heard a somewhat familiar voice...Two of my favorite sources for smiles all in one broadcast. Congratulations! To be featured on TAL is a a distant dream of mine, so I'll just live vicariously through your much-better-worded life...
Posted by: Meglet | September 13, 2009 at 01:51 AM
oh, man, i love This American Life! i can't wait to hear the episode! congratulations, rich!
also, i look forward to your first review of cycle 13 ANTM. ever since i found out about your reviews, i get even more excited when the show comes back. i think i prefer reading your posts than watching the actual show.
Posted by: karla | September 13, 2009 at 03:24 AM
I am listening to This American Life right now! I heard your name and I was like whaaaaaaaaaaa? and then as soon as I heard you start reading, I knew it was your voice! Awesome! Congratulation!
Posted by: Erica | September 13, 2009 at 12:28 PM
There I was, just doin' my dishes and listening to the radio this morning and, all of the sudden, I was like "Wait...Rich?On This American Life? How cool!"
Honestly, I felt as if my friend were on the radio. Good for you! I hope it brings the site lots of good exposure!
Posted by: Emily | September 13, 2009 at 02:26 PM
I was driving when you were on. I had to keep driving so I could hear the whole thing. Congrats!
Posted by: rv | September 13, 2009 at 02:34 PM
Yes! I just heard you on TAL! Next time, a story on Winston- the theme will be animals that have inspired many
Posted by: Tara | September 13, 2009 at 02:44 PM
I'm with "ihaveneverbeforeinmylifeyelledatagirllikethis" Is this the project you mentioned a few months ago? Listening to TAL right now, I realize after 10 years, this show DESPERATELY needs more pop culture. I nominate Rich as the next regular contributor.
Posted by: Saida33 | September 13, 2009 at 04:30 PM
Just listened to tal, you were GREAT! Congratulations, I'm sure winston is proud
Posted by: anna | September 13, 2009 at 04:30 PM
I'm listening to you on the TAL podcast right now - it's so so good and funny and smart! AND you managed to include my favorite quote, from Jade, "This is not America's Next Top Best Friend!" Congratulations!
Posted by: Sara | September 13, 2009 at 06:29 PM
Excellent excellent story.
Well done.
Congrats congrats congrats.
Posted by: StinkyLulu | September 13, 2009 at 06:57 PM
Can't wait to hear it!
Maybe Winston will make an appearance? :)
Congrats.
Posted by: K.UK | September 13, 2009 at 08:27 PM
Head exploding.
Posted by: John R | September 13, 2009 at 08:54 PM